England football fans flocking to pubs to watch the crunch World Cup quarter final match against Norway could be kicked out of their local boozers, with thunderstorms threatening to inflict chaos. Pubs across the country will be welcoming Three Lions supporters later today, but many will also have to continue to follow strict closing time rules in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Match Timing and Weather Concerns
The clash against Erling Haaland's Norway is due to kick off at 10pm UK time. However, a US meteorologist has warned that lightning could derail the schedule, even after the thunderstorms have passed. This raises the prospect that the start of the World Cup quarter final clash could be delayed or temporarily stopped midway through, meaning it could finish much later than anticipated.
According to Rebecca Robinson reporting on July 11, 2026, millions of England fans are expected to gather in pubs across the nation to watch the match. But with many establishments bound by licensing laws that require them to close by a certain time, fans may be forced to leave before the final whistle if the match runs late.
Impact on Pubs and Fans
Pub landlords face a dilemma: balancing the desire to accommodate fans with the legal requirement to adhere to closing times. Some venues may apply for temporary extensions, but not all will succeed. The storm warning adds another layer of uncertainty, as lightning strikes could interrupt the broadcast or affect the match itself.
This is a breaking story, with more details expected to emerge as the situation develops. Fans are advised to check with their local pubs regarding any special arrangements or potential early closures.
